How To Get Long Eyelashes

Jul 30, 2002

Elizabeth Griffin/Lauren Ahn

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I've heard a lot about eyelash perming and extensions recently. Are they safe?

Although these practices have not been banned by the FDA, they are not exactly safe either. If you do opt to have them done, insist that a plastic or metal shield be placed over your eye to ensure you don't come into contact with any chemicals, warns Phillip J. Calenda, M.D., an ophthalmologist in Scarsdale, NY. A better option: Use one of the new eyelash primers -- Bourjois, Senna and Awake Cosmetics all make them -- to lay down a lengthening base coat on lashes before applying mascara , or dab some loose powder on lashes between coats of mascara. Both will yield a longer lash look.